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There’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of smothered turkey wings — tender, juicy meat slow-baked under a blanket of rich, savory gravy. This Southern comfort dish is pure soul food, perfect for Sunday dinner or any time you crave something cozy and full of flavor. The combination of caramelized onions, bell peppers, and a creamy homemade gravy makes every bite unforgettable.
In this version, we double up on the seasonings for bold flavor and use Creole Kick seasoning to add that perfect Louisiana flair.
Ingredients
- 4 turkey wings
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), julienned
- 1 medium onion, julienned
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- (Optional) Fresh herbs — sage, thyme, or oregano
Seasoning (adjust to taste):
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp Creole Kick seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep the Turkey Wings
In a large bowl, combine the turkey wings and add all the seasonings and oil and massage them into the wings.
2. Marinate
For deeper flavor, cover and marinate for at least 1 hour — or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Prepare for Baking
Add bell pepper and onions to the bottom of the dish. Transfer the wings to a baking dish and top with fresh herbs if desired.
4. Make the Gravy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and chicken broth until smooth and lump-free.
Pour the slurry into the bottom of the baking dish (not directly over the wings).
5. Add Butter
Dot small pieces of butter evenly over the turkey wings.
6. Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
7. Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil, baste the wings with pan drippings, and continue baking uncovered for another 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes.
If the gravy gets too thick, add extra broth or water (¼ cup at a time).
8. Rest & Serve
Let the wings rest for 10 minutes before serving. The gravy will thicken slightly as it cools.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Smothered Wings: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream into the gravy during the final 20 minutes of baking.
- Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers before baking.
- Slow Cooker Option: Follow the same prep steps, then cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Smoked Turkey Wings: Swap in pre-smoked wings and reduce the baking time by about 30 minutes.
What to Serve With Smothered Turkey Wings
Smothered turkey wings pair beautifully with classic Southern sides that soak up all that flavorful gravy:
- White rice or seasoned rice
- Mashed potatoes or garlic herb mashed cauliflower
- Collard greens, mustard greens, or green beans
- Baked macaroni and cheese
- Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
For a complete comfort meal, serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
FAQ
Can I use turkey legs instead of wings?
Absolutely. Turkey legs work just as well, though you may need to increase the baking time slightly since they’re thicker.
How do I thicken the gravy more?
If your gravy is too thin after baking, remove the wings, place the pan on the stovetop, and simmer the sauce until it thickens to your liking.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Season and marinate the wings the night before, or even cook the whole dish a day ahead. Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Store cooled wings and gravy in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Smothered Turkey Wings
Ingredients
- 4 turkey wings
- 2 bell peppers 1 red, 1 green, julienned
- 1 medium onion julienned
- 4 –5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- Optional Fresh herbs — sage, thyme, or oregano
- Seasoning adjust to taste
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp Creole Kick seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Start by preparing the turkey wings. In a large mixing bowl, combine the wings with all your seasonings — the seasoning salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, Creole Kick, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Use your hands to massage the spices into wings.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the turkey marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator if you have time.
- Add bell pepper and onions to the bottom of a baking dish. Once marinated, transfer the seasoned wings into a baking dish. If you’d like to layer in more depth of flavor, scatter a few sprigs of fresh sage, thyme, or oregano on top. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and chicken broth until it forms a smooth, lump-free slurry — this will be your gravy base. Carefully pour the slurry into the bottom of the pan, making sure not to pour it directly over the turkey wings so the top can brown nicely while baking.
- Dot the tops of the wings with small pieces of butter to add richness to the gravy as it cooks. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour. After the first hour, remove the foil, baste the wings generously with the pan drippings, and continue baking uncovered for another 1 hour. Baste every 20 minutes to keep the wings moist and flavorful. If the gravy starts to thicken too much or reduce too much, pour in a bit of extra chicken broth or water (about ¼ cup at a time) to maintain that silky texture.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let the wings rest for about 10 minutes before serving. The gravy will thicken slightly as it cools, making it perfect for spooning over rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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